Site C3, Loop Cottonwood Canyon Road

Death Valley National Park | Death Valley Backcountry Roadside Camping

Type: STANDARD NONELECTRIC

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Site Details

• Site Rating: Basic
• Check-Out: 12:00 PM
• Min Num of People: 1
• Proximity to Water: N/A
• Shade: No
• Campfire Allowed: Yes
• Check-In: 12:00 PM
• Location Rating: Good
• Pets Allowed: Yes
• Site Access: Drive-In
• Water Hookup: No
• Capacity Rating: Group
• Condition Rating: Basic
• Hike in Distance: 0
• Max Num of People: 12

Permitted Equipment

• Tent
• Pickup Camper
• Vehicle
• Caravan/Camper Van

Driveway Details

• Min Num of Vehicles: 1
• Driveway Grade: Slight
• Driveway Length: 99
• Driveway Surface: Gravel
• Max Num of Vehicles: 4
• Driveway Entry: Pull-through
• Is Equipment Mandatory: Yes
• Max Vehicle Length: 22
• Site Length: 99

Need to Know

• Cottonwood Canyon Backcountry Roadside Camping

  Site C3 provides a primitive camping experience for visitors looking for solitude and adventure in a remote section of the park. The site includes a small gravel space for vehicle parking and camp set up. Very little shade, little protection from the elements, and no other amenities will be found in the lower canyon. Sites are spaced at minimum 1/2 miles apart and allow for some privacy, quiet, and excellent stargazing. Generators are not allowed in the backcountry. 

• Capacity

  Site C3 can accommodate a maximum of 4 vehicles and 12 people. For the purposes of capacity, any trailer counts as a vehicle. 

• Access

  This site is located approximately 8.5 miles down the un-improved gravel Cottonwood-Marble Road, which is accessed from CA-190 just west of the Stovepipe Wells Campground. The Cottonwood-Marble Road is unimproved and requires high clearance (over 8 inches measured from the ground to the lowest part of the undercarriage), 4-wheel drive and off-highway driving experience. Much of the road, especially near the start, include areas of deep, soft sand. All vehicles must remain within the roadbed during travel and within the graded campsite. Off-road driving is prohibited throughout Death Valley National Park. 

• Fires

  Constructed fire pits are not allowed in the backcountry. Portable fire pits that burn propane, methane or other gasses are allowed. Fire pans are allowed below 3,000 feet year round and above 3,000 feet between September 16 and June 14, provided the fire does not come in contact with the natural surface and all ash and burnt wood is removed. No wood gathering is allowed and all ashes must be collected.

• Vegetation

  There is no shade and very sparse creosote ground cover in this site.

• Views

  This site provides excellent views of the Cottonwood Mountains. Opportunities for backcountry travel by foot over the alluvial fan abound.

• Cautions

  Self-reliance and self-rescue (including communication technologies) are strongly recommended. Do not rely on cellular network coverage in the backcountry. Always plan ahead and inform an emergency contact of your itinerary. Ravens, coyotes and other scavengers are common in this area, so make sure to keep food, trash and other scented items secured in a vehicle or other hard-sided container. 

• You are responsible for following all park rules and regulations. All Backcountry Regulations are strictly enforced. 

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